Posts to Out of My Hat are just my thoughts on varied subjects from politics, religion, parenting, magic and life in general. Please feel free to comment on or share any of the material found here. Just note the source and, when possible, provide a link to Out of My Hat.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Sunday at Hopedale

I hope that you have all had a wonderful weekend. Today was a great Sunday at church. Our Sunday School class is an exceptional study. It is a men's class taught by Dr. Burris. The guy is one of the the best Bible teachers that I know. The dynamics of the class are great and everyone participates either by offering input, asking questions or both.

The worship time was great (as always). Rich really does a grand job seeking the Spirit's guidance and preparing a great worship experience. Pastor Terry's message on doing church God's way really address how we, as believers, need to be ever mindful that church is not about us--it's about Him.

I managed a brief nap before making it back to church for our Deacon's meeting and the evening service. Our Sunday evening service was super! We had a musical family come for an evening concert. The Crist Family has a wonderful blend of voices and a real desire to share the love of Jesus. You can tell when performers are performing for themselves and when they are performing for their Lord. I really believe that this family desires to bring people to Jesus just by lifting up His name.

I the Bible Jesus says, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me." He was telling of the type of death that he would die but the reference to being lifted up was to story told back in the Book of Numbers.

The children of Israel had been delivered from 400 years of captivity in Egypt. During their time in the wilderness, they began to grumble against Moses and against God. God punished them by sending "fiery serpents" (poisonous snakes) among them. Anyone bitten by one of these snakes would die. When Moses interceded for the people, God told him to make a bronze image of the fiery serpent and lift it up on a pole in the midst of the camp. If a person was bitten and looked upon the bronze snake, they would not die; they would be saved.

Now it doesn't take a modern day, educated person to know that there is nothing about the sight of a bronze snake that provides any kind of anti-venom. It wasn't looking at the snake that saved them. It was about being obedient; about trusting that God would do what He said He would do. It was an act of faith. I can imagine that there were people dying in their tents that wouldn't get up and go look at the snake on the pole. It sounded too ridiculous to be true. I can imagine that even though neighbors dropped by with words of encouragement and personal testimonies that they had been saved from death by looking at the snake, some people wouldn't believe and would choose to die rather that to admit that they could be wrong about the ridiculous notion that that God would only save them if they lifted their eyes to look on the snake.

The same is true of the cross. If we will only lift our eyes to look at the cross and realize that it is still an act of faith that saves us today. It is still about trusting that God will do what He says He will do. It is still about obedience. It is about trusting that in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, is salvation. We can believe that it is ridiculous to think that the only way that God will let us into His heaven is to trust in Jesus. But that is no different that those that chose to die in their tents thousands of years ago. It is about the act of faith.

That's a long way to get to the point of encouraging you to go see the Crist Family if you get the chance. I'm adding a link to their website with the others on the right side of the page. I also encourage you to check Wess Adams and Poet Voices from time to time to see if they'll be in your area. I can't tell you how much I admire those that have given their lives to serving our Lord and Savior.

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About Me

Welcome to my blog. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. For twenty-three years I was an air traffic controller. I am now retired and have other interests to keep me busy.

I am an evangelist, speaker, entertainer and magician. I have been to churches as a preaching evangelist, entertainment for VBS, Upwards Basketball, outreach events and special occasions. I have served as camp pastor at several children’s camps. I have performed for DARE assemblies and in public schools with a positive self esteem message. I have spoken to the Lions Club, Red Cross, performed at a trade shows and been an emcee. Magic has proven to be a great means for capturing the attention of an audience, illustrating the basic principles of a message and reinforcing the message in a memorable way. It is an effective tool for sharing the message of salvation, teaching lessons in public schools and encouraging corporate ideals.

If I can be of service to your church, school, organization or business, contact me at gospelmagic@gmail.com or call me at 417-496-8891

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Coming Events

Oct 28 FBC Pea Ridge Arkansas

Oct 31 Hopedale Baptist Trunk or Treat

Nov 4wedding

Nov 5 First Central Baptist, Highlandville AM & PM

Nov 19 Fremont Hills Baptist Church AM & PM

Booking information

If you would like to contact me about coming to your church, school, camp or business event, just send a comment or e-mail me at gospelmagic@gmail.com. Include your name, the date of your event and how I should contact you.

What Others are Saying

John presented the gospel in magic at our largest youth outreach event of the year. We have sponsored a lock-in each year for 5 years as a way to get unchurched young people through the door the first time, and share the gospel with them. John came in and presented in a somewhat chaotic atmosphere and the Lord shined through him. The illusions caught and held the attention of youth and adults alike, and the Holy Spirit held hearts through the last word spoken. Eternal decisions were made that evening because of John's ministry. Amy Greenway Youth Leader First Baptist,CraneMO

Spellbound and entralled! That's how I feel when I watch the illusion of John Hill. However, what really impresses me is John's ability to use the illusion to illustrate Biblical principles. Ron Mills Missouri Baptist Evangelist

You did a great job during your magic show! Wow! The kids loved it. Anita Lael, PHD Principal Kirbyville Elementary School

"During the five years that I have known John, I have had the opportunity to observe him in a variety of settings. As an evangelist, John is passionate and engaging as he shares his knowledge of the Bible. When working with students, John is positive and has the unique ability to relate to kids on their level. Through his love of magic, John is able to reach students and teach them life lessons that they will remember throughout their lives."

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Thank you for taking time to read my blog. I hope that you will read some of my past posts, as well. My first post is one of my favorites. If you're interested in booking me to speak for your church, or as a motivational speaker at your school or business event; please e-mail me at gospelmagic@gmail.com. I'll gladly provide you with references and answer any questions that you may have.